Citizenship & Residency by Investment
Global mobility and diversification through CBI and RBI programs. Program matching, due-diligence support, application management, and post-approval services for high-net-worth families.
A dynamic landscape in 2025
For high-net-worth individuals and families seeking global mobility, security, and diversification, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residency by Investment (RBI) programs are increasingly sought after. In 2025, these schemes remain dynamic: some are expanding, some are under regulatory scrutiny, and some are evolving to maintain integrity and value.
Below you’ll find what CBI and RBI programs are, key benefits, major countries offering them, requirements and timelines, recent trends, and how Nordic Relocators provides support.
What are CBI & RBI programs?
Residency by Investment (RBI)
Allows a foreign individual to obtain legal residence (temporary or permanent) in a country by investing capital, such as real estate, government bonds, or a business. Over time, many RBI holders may become eligible for permanent residence or citizenship under local rules.
Citizenship by Investment (CBI)
More ambitious: the applicant acquires citizenship and a passport directly (or after a short waiting period), usually by making a qualifying economic contribution such as a donation, real estate, or business investment.
Key benefits
- Global mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to many countries.
- Lifestyle & safety: Alternative residence or "safe haven" in politically stable jurisdictions.
- Tax planning & asset protection: Favourable tax regimes or legal structures depending on the country.
- Business & education access: Start a business, own property, send children to local schools and universities.
- Backup strategy: A second passport or residence as a fallback.
Active Citizenship by Investment Programs (2025)
Obtain a second passport through qualifying investments in government funds or real estate.
Compare leading CBI destinations, minimum investment amounts, processing timelines, and Schengen access to choose the right pathway for your goals.
| Country | Program Type | Investment Required | Processing Time | Schengen Access | Citizenship Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Malta | Citizenship (CBI) | €600,000–€750,000 donation + fees | 12–36 months | Yes (EU passport) | Immediate |
 Turkey | Citizenship (CBI) | $400,000 real estate investment | 4–6 months | Visa process required | Immediate |
 St. Kitts & Nevis | Citizenship (CBI) | $250,000 donation or $400,000 real estate | 4–6 months | Yes | Immediate |
 Antigua & Barbuda | Citizenship (CBI) | $100,000 donation or $200,000 real estate | 4–6 months | Yes | Immediate |
 Dominica | Citizenship (CBI) | $100,000 donation or $200,000 real estate | 4–6 months | Yes | Immediate |
 Grenada | Citizenship (CBI) | $150,000 donation or $220,000 real estate | 4–6 months | Yes | Immediate |
 St. Lucia | Citizenship (CBI) | $100,000 donation or $200,000 real estate | 4–6 months | Yes | Immediate |
CBI trends & data (2025)
- CBI Index 2025: Continues to rank Caribbean programs highly for transparency, due diligence, and performance.
- St. Kitts & Nevis: Remains at the top of CBI rankings, credited with reforms improving security, efficiency, and reputation.
- Caribbean inflows: CBI inflows in ECCU nations are estimated to be a notable portion of FDI, though concerns remain about sustainability and oversight.
- Older European programs: Some (e.g. Malta) have faced legal challenges, limiting future viability.
Active Residency by Investment Programs (2025)
Gain long-term residency rights through qualifying investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.
Compare leading RBI destinations, minimum investment amounts, processing timelines, and Schengen access to choose the right pathway for your goals.
| Country | Program Type | Investment Required | Processing Time | Schengen Access | Citizenship Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Portugal | Residency (RBI) | €280,000–€500,000 investment | 6–12 months | Yes | Citizenship in 5 years |
 Greece | Residency (RBI) | €250,000–€500,000 real estate | 3–6 months | Yes | Citizenship in 7 years |
 Spain | Residency (RBI) | €500,000 real estate investment | 6–12 months | Yes | Citizenship in 10 years |
 Italy | Residency (RBI) | €250,000–€2M investment | 6–12 months | Yes | Citizenship in 10 years |
RBI trends & insights
- Tighter due diligence: In 2025, more countries are adding residence or physical-stay requirements and adjusting investment thresholds.
- EU access: RBI programs continue to attract families seeking access to European education, healthcare, and mobility.
- Minimal stay: Unlike CBI, many RBI programs require minimal physical presence, sometimes only a few days per year.
- Other jurisdictions: Canada (Start-Up Visa), UAE Golden Visa, and US EB-5 also offer investor-based residence rights.
Common requirements & due diligence
Details vary by country, but most programs share:
- Minimum investment: Government fund, real estate, business, or qualifying bonds.
- Source of funds proof: Fully documented origin of funds.
- Clean criminal record: Background checks are stringent.
- Biometric data & identity: Verification required.
- Residence or physical presence: Many RBI require minimal annual stay.
- Tax / financial compliance: Maintain local or global tax reporting.
- Family inclusion: Spouses, children, sometimes parents.
- Additional rules: Language, health insurance, integration, business activity.
Timelines & approval chances
Approval depends heavily on compliance, documentation, program integrity, and due diligence. Well-documented applicants with clean records and professional representation have high success rates.
Caribbean CBI programs
3–6 months
St. Kitts & Nevis (fastest)
90–120 days
RBI / Golden Visa programs
3–12 months
How Nordic Relocators assists with CBI & RBI
Full support at every step to maximise your success.
Program matching & strategy
Analyse your goals (mobility, tax, lifestyle) and match to the best CBI or RBI program.
Pre-eligibility assessment
Use our assessment tool to test eligibility before investing time or money.
Document preparation
Guide and prepare certified documents, proofs, and dossiers for submission.
Investment advisory
Introductions to trusted real estate, fund, or business projects qualifying under programs.
Application & submission
Manage submission to citizenship/residence authorities.
Due diligence support
Prepare you for background investigations, clarify fund sources, respond to queries.
Family & dependant inclusion
Process spouse, children, and possible extended-family applications.
Post-approval services
Passport issuance, residence cards, renewals, local compliance, integration.
Risk mitigation & appeals
Address rejections or delays; appeals and resubmissions.
Plan your global mobility strategy
With multilingual support and deep experience, we ensure transparency, compliance, and a smoother journey, from program selection to approval and beyond.
Speak with an advisor